People Inc. Receives Grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency

New Carbon Monoxide Detectors to be Purchased People Inc. is pleased to announce a grant that was recently awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of $46,000. The FEMA grant will be used to purchase carbon monoxide detectors and heat and smoke sensors for the agency's group homes. People Inc. operates more than 100 community-based residences across Erie County, and including parts of Niagara and Chautauqua counties. The detectors and sensors will supplement existing safety equipment in People Inc.'s residences and enhance the agency's safety measures. Installation of the equipment will be accompanied by fire safety training for our residential staff and residents. Fire Prevention and Safety grants are intended to help local organizations address fire prevention and safety issues with the primary goal of reaching high-risk target groups including children, seniors and firefighters. Fire Prevention and Safety is part of a larger Assistance to Firefighters program administered by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the U.S. Fire Administration. In addition to the funding support from FEMA, People Inc. is also appreciative of the support provided by the office of Congressman Brian Higgins. Representatives from People Inc. have attended the Congressman's Fire Grant Workshops which provide valuable information about putting together a qualifying federal fire grant application. "People Inc. is known for providing individuals they serve with a friendly, safe and comfortable place to call home and this federal grant provides valuable resources as they continue their mission," added Congressman Higgins, a member of the House Homeland Security Committee. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

People Inc. Foundation Hosts 10th Annual Golf Tournament

What: People Inc. Foundation's 10th Annual Drive Fore Disabilities Golf Tournament When: Monday, August 22, 2011 A morning round of golf has been added this year which will start at 7:30 a.m. The afternoon round of golf with registration and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m.; tee-off starts at 12:30 p.m. Cocktails along with live, silent and basket auctions begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and an awards presentation at 7 p.m. Where: East Aurora Country Club, 300 Girdle Rd., East Aurora Who: Local business and community leaders, along with People Inc. representatives. John Gurtler II will emcee the evening program. He is an American sportscaster from Orchard Park, NY. Gurtler II is most notable for having succeeded Ted Darling as television play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Sabres, a position he held from 1992 until 1995. He currently serves as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Buffalo Bandits and has served as the public address announcer for the Buffalo Bills. Tournament co-chairs are Robert O'Leary of Parkview Health Services and Mark C. Byrne of Vanner Insurance Agency. Committee members also include Roger Hoffman of Northeast Mechanical, Joseph Lanigan, MD, cardiologist and Gay Meyers, a participant of People Inc. Inc.'s services and a volunteer for the agency. Hole-in-One Sponsors include: JW Swanson, KeyBank and Parkview Health Services. Eagle Sponsors include: CSI, Calamar, Northeast Mechanical, Prism Medical, Towne Auto, and Vanner Insurance Benefits. Why: Proceeds of the golf tournament will benefit the People Inc. Foundation. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the golf tournament event and People Inc.'s 40th anniversary of providing programs to people with developmental disabilities and services for seniors. People Inc. is a not-for profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Museum of disABILITY History to Participate in Blue Stars Museum

People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History is one of more than 1,480 museums across America to offer free admission to military personnel and their families this summer The Museum of disABILITY History, a project of People Inc., is pleased to announce it is part of the Blue Stars Museum program. A partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, and more than 1,480 museums across America will offer free admission to all active duty military personnel and their families until Labor Day, September 5, 2011. Leadership support has been provided by MetLife Foundation through Blue Star Families. The Museum of disABILITY History is located at 3826 Main Street in Amherst (Buffalo border). It is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. "We are happy to have our up and coming museum be part of this program and welcome military personnel and their families," said Tess Fraser, director of the Museum of disABILITY History. "It is also fitting to be part of this program as we launch our newest exhibit called 'War and disABILITY,' which focuses on the social perception, care and treatment of veterans who are disabled throughout history." This year, more than 1,480 museums in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa are taking part in the initiative, including more than 500 new museums this year. The complete list of participating museums is available at www.arts.gov/bluestarmuseums . The free admission program is available to active-duty military and their family members (military ID needed and up to five family members). Active duty military personnel include Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and active duty National Guard and active duty Reserve members. If you have any questions, call the Museum of disABILITY History at 716.629.3626. The Museum of disABILITY History is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society's reactions. Located in the Amherst/Buffalo border and at www.museumofdisability.org , the Museum offers educational exhibits and activities that expand community awareness. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

People Inc. to Provide Seniors Case Management Services in Grand Island, North Buffalo and Tonawanda

August 12, 2011: People Inc. has been awarded a grant through Erie County to provide Case Management Services to seniors 60 years and older who live in Grand Island, Kenmore, North Buffalo and Tonawanda. People Inc. will provide assistance to seniors or their caregivers about how to better navigate the social service and healthcare systems that may be challenging. The goal is to provide the supports necessary to age in place.  The physical, emotional and mental changes that accompany aging can create a frustrating experience for seniors and their families. The sense of isolation or confusion may cause panic or depression. These problems often drive seniors into nursing home settings even when they want to stay in their homes. With this grant, People Inc. stands ready to provide necessary help. People Inc. case managers will be assigned to specific geographic areas and help create individualized services plans for individual seniors based upon a comprehensive assessment. The plan will be developed in collaboration with the senior and will reflect their choices and preferences with an end goal of empowering the senior to stay involved with their service plan. Seniors enrolled with People Inc.'s Senior Case Management will gain access to appropriate services, benefits and entitlements. People Inc. is recognized by the Western New York Service Coordination Institute and the University of Buffalo as a leader in case management and offers training and mentoring to case managers throughout Western New York. The agency works collaboratively with a significant number of area service providers and is committed to providing exceptional care. "Between the over 800 seniors in our Senior Living apartments and our case management to more than 1,300 people in the community, we felt this was a natural fit for us. We have many programs offered in the northtowns and now we have the opportunity to help even more seniors in these areas," said  James M. Boles, Ed.D., People Inc. president and chief executive officer. Seniors must meet specific criteria. For more information or to set up an appointment, call Case Management Coordinator Kaamalal Robinson at 566.5015.  People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Museum of disABILITY History Unveils "War and disABILITY" Exhibit

People Inc.'s Museum of disABILITY History is pleased to unveil its newest exhibit called, "War and disABILITY." An opening reception will be held on Thursday, August 18, 2011, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Museum of disABILITY History, 3826 Main Street in Amherst. The keynote speaker will be Steve T. Banko III, retired field office director for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and a Vietnam War veteran. The exhibit focuses on the social perception, care and treatment of veterans who are disabled throughout history. The "War and disABILITY" exhibit examines the American military and disability experience in terms of medical and military technology, legislation regarding veterans, the psychiatric effects of combat, pop-culture and disability, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, traumatic brain injury and the contributions of individuals with disabilities in times of national need. From the Revolutionary War to the ongoing Afghan Theater of operations, the topics of War and disABILITY are often in close quarters. Artifacts from the collection of the Museum of disABILITY will be on display, including: an antique prosthetic leg that was donated by the Niagara County Historical Society, items from the Disabled American Veterans, rehabilitation books, postcards, and a Litter like those used in the military to transport wounded off the battlefield. Banko, keynote speaker, is an advocate for veterans and is a highly decorated veteran of war. He served two combat tours of duty in Vietnam and worked in government service for more than 30 years, with the first 20 years in the field of communications. Assistance with the creation of the "War and disABILITY" exhibit was provided by Dr. David A. Gerber, professor of history at the University at Buffalo and Eric Bauer, president of E.B. Galaxy Construction and a veteran of the Iraq War. The exhibit will be open to the public to view from August 19 to December 31, 2011. On and off the battlefield, War and disABILITY has touched people in different ways. Educators; veterans and military personnel, along with their families; students; community groups; religious leaders; and medical and human service professionals are encouraged to visit. For more information or to schedule a tour, call 716.629.3626. Walk-ins welcome. The Museum of disABILITY History is dedicated to the collection, preservation, and display of artifacts relating to the history of people with disabilities. The mission is to tell the story of the lives, triumphs, and struggles of people with disabilities as well as society's reactions. Located in the Amherst/Buffalo border and at www.museumofdisability.org , the Museum offers educational exhibits and activities that expand community awareness. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

People Inc.'s Elmwood Health Center Earns National Recognition

People Inc.'s Elmwood Health Center, 2128 Elmwood Avenue in Buffalo, has been recognized as a Physician Practice Connections - Patient Centered Medical Home (PPC-PCMH) by the National Commission for Quality Assurance (NCQA). The Elmwood Health Center is located between Hertel and Kenmore Avenues. NCQA officials said that the three-year recognition was awarded to the Elmwood Health Center for using information systems to measure practice-wide clinical quality and improve clinical outcomes at the point of care. "This certification and national honor is a tribute to the providers and staff at the Elmwood Health Center whose embracement of electronic medical records (EMR) technology has had a significant impact on the quality of patient care," said Thomas Artim, MD, People Inc. medical director. Physician Practice Connections-Patient Centered Medical Home recognizes those medical practices that use information systematically to improve the quality of patient care. Numerous studies, including the Institute of Medicine's Fostering Rapid Advances in Health, have called for the systemic use of health care information, including more widespread adoption of information technology such as electronic health records. The Elmwood Health Center implemented EMR technology just over one year ago. Currently, all the providers at the Elmwood Health Center are using the electronic medical record on a routine basis. "Having health information at the point of care is critical to the delivery of quality health services," said Anna Korus, vice president of Health and Senior Services for People Inc. "PPC-PCMH identifies those health care providers who make the most of the clinical information they have on hand to make better decisions and provide better follow-up care to their patients." In earning NCQA recognition, the Elmwood Health Center providers and staff met key PPC-PCMH standards in all of the areas required including: use of patient registries, use of Electronic systems provision of educational resources in English and/or a second language, practice-wide quality measures and improvement efforts, screening referrals and follow-up for at-risk patients and structured care of patients with chronic conditions. Founded in 1994, the Elmwood Health Center provides both primary and specialty care services to a diverse patient base and is recognized locally for its care of those with special needs and records more than 36,000 visits annually. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

People Inc. Willow Senior Living Hosts Open House and Yard Sale

Affordable and Attractive Apartments If your mom or dad is looking for affordable housing or if you are a senior looking to move, consider People Inc.'s Willow Senior Living. To showcase its apartment building, People Inc. Willow Senior Living will host an Open House and Multi-family Yard Sale on Friday, July 29, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., at 3990 Forest Parkway in Wheatfield. The affordable senior living complex is conveniently located to restaurants and shopping areas near Niagara Falls, North Tonawanda and Tonawanda. Whether thinking of downsizing, removing the burden of owning a home or looking for a renewed sense of community, People Inc.'s Willow Senior Living provides seniors the chance to live affordably. Apartments are for individuals, age 62 and up, who meet federally mandated income guidelines. Applications are being accepted and tours will be available during the Open House. A multi family yard sale will be held in conjunction with the Open House event. Household goods, furniture, books, games, clothing and more will be available for sale. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the tenant fund to support activities. For more information about the Open House or Multi-family Yard Sale, call 716.694.1486. Click here to view our flyer! People Inc. manages 17 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more information about other locations, call 716.817.9090.

Tenants of People Inc. Pine Senior Living Host Lunch for Rapids Volunteer Fire Company

What: People Inc. Pine Senior Living Host Lunch for Rapids Volunteer Fire Company When: Thursday, July 14, 2011, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: People Inc. Pine Senior Living, 6231 Tonawanda Creek North, Lockport As a token of their appreciation, the tenants of People Inc.'s Pine Senior Living will host a hot dog cookout for the Rapids Volunteer Fire Company. The tenants and staff want to thank the volunteer fire group for their kindness when assisting the residents in emergency situations. The tenants are making homemade salads and desserts. People Inc. manages 17 senior apartment locations throughout Western New York providing safe, affordable housing for seniors age 62 and older who meet income requirements. For more information on eligibility requirements, call 817.9090. People Inc. is a not-for-profit health and human services agency providing programs and services to more than 10,000 people with special needs, their families, and seniors throughout Western New York. Since 1971, People Inc. has assisted individuals to achieve greater degrees of independence and productivity.

Albright-Knox Art Gallery Features

Art Exhibition from People Inc.'s Arts Experience Day Habilitation The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is featuring the artwork of artists from the Arts Experience Day Habilitation of People Inc. during an education art exhibition called "No Limitations." An opening reception will be held on Friday, July 1, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, 1285 Elmwood Ave. in Buffalo. The reception and exhibition will be held in the Education Corridor and Classrooms. The exhibit will be on display until July 20 . "No Limitations" is a collection of artwork that represents the exploration and creative expression of the artists of People Inc.'s Arts Experience Day Habilitation. The Arts Experience showcases the talents of adult artisans with developmental disabilities. The Arts Experience Day Habilitation offers classes in visual art, theatre, music, dance, jewelry design, fitness dance and creative writing. The exhibit at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is a culmination of one and a half years of artwork created by participants of the Arts Experience that best represents the participant's exploration and creative expression. The 100 pieces of artwork include mixed media, oil painting and pottery. The artists have been exploring a wide variety of mediums and making discoveries and connections to the art world around them. They spent the last two years learning about a variety of different mediums from digital photography, textile design to oil painting. They visited local galleries and researched periods of art history. The exhibition is a reflection of their growth as artists. Visitors should enter the Albright-Knox Art Gallery through the Elmwood Avenue entrance. Admission to the opening reception is free. All other days, admission is $12 for adults, $8 for students, and $5 for children. The Albright-Knox Art Gallery is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on M&T First Friday's. For more information about People Inc.'s Arts Experience, call Michelle Silverblatt at 716.635.6526.